Tickle Me Henry

One of my favorite spots. And I have many. There's a fern growing into my tank and she tickles my butt. Sometimes I don't move for hours and nobody can tell there is a smile on face. Except for Fern.

My Cousin: The Loggerhead Turtle

Check this out! Young Loggerhead turtles have internal GPS systems. Amazing! They read the Earth's magnetic field to adjust the direction in which they swim. It seems they hatch with a set of directions, which, with the help of their magnetic sense, ensures that they always stay in warm waters during their first migration around the rim of the North Atlantic.

Over time they build a more detailed magnetic map by learning to recognize variations in the strength and direction of the magnetic field lines. It isn't known how the Loggerheads sense magnetism. Part of the problem is that magnetic fields can pass through biological tissues without being altered, so the sensors could, in theory, be located in any part of the body.  Many researchers think that magnetic receptors probably exist in the head of turtles and perhaps other animals. These might be based on crystals of magnetite, which align with the Earth's magnetic field and could pull on some kind of receptor as it changes polarity. The mineral has been found in some bacteria, and in the noses of fish like salmon and rainbow trout, which also seem to track the Earth's magnetic field as they migrate.

Evacuation: Success

We are back, well, she is back - and thank god because I was getting hungry. I don't know why she left in the first place, we had nothing but a little rain and some wind. We've seen worse. I hunkered down with my best friend, and rode it out.

Evacuation!

Mama is leaving me behind to protect the property while she evacuates for Hurricane Irene. I've been abandoned. The entire coast of New Jersey has been asked to leave before the storm hits us on Sunday. I'll do my best to keep things under control. Be safe, everyone.

The Takedown

Well, I came and I conquered! Doorman/slash/Armed Guard "Roger" got a bit intimidating this morning as he 'guarded' my exit, so I started circling, getting closer, trying to catch him off his guard ...

And then, I snuck right up on him, zipped past him and karate-kicked him in the groin, and YES - took him down!!

Then I finally clipped him with my patented terrapin spin and made sure he was down – hopefully for good!

Mission accomplished.

Earthquake! I'm Outta Here

Try to stop me. The east coast experienced a rare 5.9 earthquake and Hurricane Irene is on its way. The door is open a crack and I feel a run coming on! Come on, Irene!

AC Aquarium



Scoping Roger

Alright, here he is again, now in my outdoor personal space. She calls him Roger so maybe he is friendly after all, but I'm still not sure. He isn't armed at the moment, but when she's not looking, he gives me the stink eye, so I am on full alert until I figure out what this guy wants.

Getting Fishy

Still not sure what this guy is all about, but I'm sniffing him out, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it. I know he's armed but I need to get closer to see what he's up to. Something smells fishy. Real fishy. And it's name is Roger.

Turtle Tat

I love this tattoo and I would get one if my skin wasn't so wrinkly and prehistoric.

I wouldn't be surprised if this little tribal beauty appears on Mama's wrinkly and prehistoric skin.

Meet Roger

Wait a minute. Who is this dude she brought home? A doorman? bodyguard? home security? Father Guido Sarducci in fatigues? What gives... and why is he fully armed? Maybe I should be worried.

Houston, I think we have a problem. And his name is Roger.

Another Henry

Bigger, badder, almost prettier. Like me, this beast likes to sit on the dock of the bay (watching time...) and moving real slow. Maybe she's bored taking pictures of me since she's now turned to the big equipment.



I'm All Green

She's feeding me leafy greens - and I'm loving it! Variety is the spice of life, now if I can only get her to expand my menu with some carrots, zucchini and string beans, I'll be set. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. Even though I never really look happy. ☺

Technorati, this one's for you: F2K6RZPZ3Y3C 

Flap Jacks

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake on a rainy Monday morning? I know I do, especially if they are loaded with leafy greens! I know, the breakfast of champions couldn't get any darn cuter...

I could just say "eat me," but I won't... instead, I will say "thank you, Jim" for the flapjack!

Turtle Waxing

No hair involved! One of my favorite activities, or at least I let her think so, is being 'turtle-waxed' and then running free on the grass. I am at my most handsome when I'm smooth, shiny and algae-free. And although I don't like the look of the large tin of 'wax' perched on this guy's back, I sure hope these fellas were enjoying their moment in the sun.

Tuttles

Mama rescued a box turtle named Tuttles from certain death while crossing the road on Route 9 in Marmora. She only lived with us for the weekend, but we had a good time in our separate swimming facilities and causing havoc on the lawn. She moved on to a lake in Pennsyltucky and I hear she produced several little ones. I miss frolicking on the grass with her. Good times.



Rough Rider

Back in the day when wool-clad, knee-socked boys rode turtles to school, there was an abudance of terrapin taxis. Numbers of turtle taxis have dwindled over the years but one sure way to put a little pep in his turtle step is using a lure of miniature fruits and vegetables. Personally, I don't need a lure, just my back tickled – and then I'm off like a bat out of hell!

My Cousin: The Radiated Tortoise

Radiated Tortoises live naturally only in the extreme south and southwestern part of the island of Madagascar. They prefer dry regions of brush and thorny woodlands of the island.

They grow up to 16 inches and weigh up to 35 pounds, and is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful tortoises. This basic "tortoise" body shape consists of a high-dome, a blunt head and elephantine feet. The legs, feet, and head are yellow except for a black patch on top of the head. The shell (carapace) of the radiated tortoise is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell, hence its name. This "star" pattern is more finely detailed.

The radiated tortoise is a grazing herbivore. They feed during the day mostly on grasses, fruit and succulent plants. Their grazing habits keep vegetation closely trimmed.

Radiated tortoises may live as long as 40 to 50 years. Sadly, these handsome tortoises are severely endangered due to loss of habitat, being poached for food, and being over exploited in the pet trade.

Spa Weekend

The heat is on but I can't complain. I got a little pool time this weekend so I splashed around and kept cool while mama dripped sweat while playing in the garden. Even though it is hot outside, you can feel the summer coming to an end. At least I can feel it.

Slow is Good

There is still a lot of traffic in these parts, so I'm going to be extra careful. I can't understand why everyone driving around here is in such a hurry... to go sit on the beach and bake their flesh? Whatever. I'm keeping my eye out for cars, and hoping they'll keep an eye out for me. Slow down, people, it's sizzlin' good fun.

Serenity Now

I'm taking a moment to reflect on the hot summer we are having and the effects that stupid tourists have on mama's road rage. I overheard her admitting that she has a problem. As long as they don't take her away to rage rehab, I'll be fine. If they do, then watch out, you'll get to see my rage.

C'mon Key West

I love the whole idea of Key West and dream of visiting one day, but I'm not liking THIS Key West. Why, humans, why? Clam chowder just not enough for you people? I'm starting to feel a little queasy.

He's Back - Popcorn Thief

Our backyard is like a little nature preserve. Sometimes when the birds are trying to eat and the squirrels and big black birds are annoying everyone, Mama will leave a bowl on the bench for the bigger critters. They seem to enjoy popcorn and stale tortilla chips. Today Stan returned and grabbed himself a handful of popcorn after surveying the situation.With this scorching hot weather, it seems a little early to start packing away for the winter.